Ingredients

vegetable oil ( for frying )
1/4 cup ricotta cheese , room temperature
2 ounces chevre cheese , room temperature ( fresh goat cheese )
the leaves from 3 stems thyme
1/2 lemon , zest of
1 cup flour
1 cup seltzer water ( Perrier )
2 tablespoons seltzer water ( Perrier )
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
40 nicoise olives , pitted
40 large green olives , pitted
fleur de sel
lemon wedge
Nicoise Fried Olives are a classic French appetizer that combines the salty, briny flavor of olives with a warm, gooey cheese stuffing, all covered in a crispy batter and fried until golden brown. This dish is the perfect combination of flavors and textures, making it a hit at any gathering or party. The cheese filling is made with ricotta and chevre cheeses, which add a creamy, tangy flavor to the dish. The olives used in this recipe are a combination of nicoise and large green olives, which add a unique flavor and texture to the dish.

Instructions

1.In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, chevre cheese, thyme leaves, and lemon zest until well blended.
2.Take a small amount of the cheese mixture and stuff it into each of the olives.
3.Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
4.In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, seltzer water, baking powder, and salt. The mixture should have a thick, batter-like consistency.
5.Dip each stuffed olive into the batter, making sure it is coated on all sides.
6.Use a slotted spoon to carefully place the battered olives into the hot oil in small batches, cooking them for about 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown.
7.Remove the fried olives from the oil using the slotted spoon and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
8.Sprinkle the fried olives with fleur de sel, and serve them with a wedge of lemon for squeezing over the top.

PROS

Nicoise Fried Olives are a unique and tasty appetizer perfect for any party or gathering.
The crispy exterior and gooey cheese filling make this dish a crowd-pleaser.

CONS

As with most fried foods, these olives are high in fat and calories.
They are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

The olives used in this recipe are high in heart-healthy fats and contain antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation in the body. The cheese filling provides a good source of protein and calcium, which are essential for building and maintaining strong bones.

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